Karystos is the capital city of southern Euboea, it is located on the southernmost part of the island on the bay that it took ist name from and uner the shadow of the impressive mountain Ochi. It is approximately 120 kilometers anway from Chalkida but you can also catch the costal ships from Rafina via Marmari. The characteristic Aegean winds bring out a special color in the area making the hot summer days cooler.
The amazing beaches as well as the pretty villages of Ochi combine the beauties of the sea and the prettiness of the villages of Kavo Doro bring out unique feelings. It is worth visitin Platanisto and its beach. Also the villages of Kalyvia, Myli, Kallianou as well as the Dimosari ravine show a great interest. Here the Euboean scenery meets up with the Cycladic wich is not fat at all.
Karystos history begins from the stone years. At the cave of Saint Triada a Neolithic settlement was discovered. According to tradition, the formation of Karystos was made by Driopes and later on by the Avades. Homer includes this city on the long list of the Greek cities which took part on the exepedition against Troy, Karystos played a significant role. During the Greek-Persian wars Datis and Artafernis tried with a great difficulty to conquer the city after the heroic resistance of the locals. Later on became part of the 4th Athenian Alliance after Kimonas siege. During the Macedonian heyday Karystos followed the fate of the Euboean cities. In 1470 Karystos was occupied like the rest of Euboea by the Turks. At the Greek war of Independence of 1821 the bishop of Karystos Neofitos acted bravely for the independence of his land. In spite of the numerous exepeditions and the rivers of blood this was never succeed. The final shape of the modern city was achieved by the Bavarian architecture Birbach after the king’s order, Otto. Since then Karystos preserved the excellent street lay out.
It is worth visiting Bourzi at the beach of Karystos. The fortress of Karystos stands out in the area, the dragon-house of Ochi on 1388 meters long. There are the monasteries of Taxiarchon and of Saint George, also the cave of Saint Triada with ists stunning stalactites, and the archeological museum with significant findings.
At the spotless beaches and the sparkling waters of the sea the visitor will have unforgettable relaxing moments.